Tourists wanting to visit Spain are set to face new restrictions, following a wave of anti-tourism protests that took place across the country in 2024.
Newsweek has contacted Spain’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism via the contact form on their website for comment.
What Are The ‘Tourist Bans’?
Parts of Spain have introduced new laws that aim to limit tourist numbers. The changes do not outright ban tourists, but have been dubbed “tourist bans” in certain sections of the British media. Millions of Britons vacation in the country every year.
Malaga, a popular destination in Spain, has introduced a three-year law that will prohibit the registration of new holiday rentals across 43 districts.
The law, brought in by Malaga City Council on January 14, targets those who rent out properties and aims to improve access to long-term housing for local residents.
Tourists wanting to visit Malaga can still book Airbnbs, hotels and any of the 13,000 holiday rentals already registered.
Protesters march on Las Americas beach during a demonstration against mass tourism in Arona on the Spanish island of Tenerife on October 20, 2024. Protesters march on Las Americas beach during a demonstration against mass tourism in Arona on the Spanish island of Tenerife on October 20, 2024. DESIREE MARTIN/AFP via Getty Images
The latest restrictions in Malaga follow similar measures being introduced in Madrid and Alicante. Barcelona’s mayor said last year that the city plans to ban apartment rentals to tourists by 2028.
A court in Seville also ruled that it was legal for the city council to cut off the water supply to illegal tourist apartments.
Why Are There ‘Tourist Bans’?
The new tourism restrictions come following widespread protests last year that began in Spain’s Canary Islands and then spread across the country.
Tens of thousands of residents took to the streets, blaming mass tourism for overcrowding and soaring housing prices, which they said were driving locals out.
How Many Foreign Tourists Does Spain Get Each Year?
Spain saw a record 94 million tourists visiting in 2024, according to its tourism minister. By comparison, the country has a population of around 48 million.
About four million visitors were from the U.S., according to CNN.
Tourists visiting Spain spent around €126 billion ($132 billion) in the country, the Industry and Tourism Ministry told CNN.
While tourism is a large source of revenue for the country, authorities are now attempting to balance economic considerations with the growing concerns of local residents.
How Will Bans Affect Americans Travelling to Spain?
Americans, and other international tourists, can still visit Spain. However, new restrictions on rental properties mean accommodation options may be more limited and costly.
How Have Other Countries Reacted?
While the majority of 2024’s anti-tourism protests took place in Spain, there has been backlash toward mass tourism in other parts of Europe.
The city of Venice in Italy introduced a new charge attempting to dissuade those visiting the city for day trips.
And Amsterdam in the Netherlands also raised tourist taxes and began a “Stay away” campaign aimed at discouraging unruly British tourists.
